About the Business Forum
As the premiere convening for private sector leaders to meet with policy makers and global change agents to discuss progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the annual SDG Business Forum showcases the monumental power of the voice of business.
Coinciding with the start of the UN’s Decade of Action and Delivery on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the fifth anniversary of the SDG Business Forum will highlight companies that are using their influence as a positive agent of change in their local communities and across the world.
Past SDG Business Forums have fostered public-private dialogues, catalysed new partnerships and alliances, and explored innovative business solutions to accelerate sustainable development.
Check back soon for more information about the 2020 Program.
Coinciding with the start of the UN’s Decade of Action and Delivery on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the fifth anniversary of the SDG Business Forum will highlight companies that are using their influence as a positive agent of change in their local communities and across the world.
Past SDG Business Forums have fostered public-private dialogues, catalysed new partnerships and alliances, and explored innovative business solutions to accelerate sustainable development.
Check back soon for more information about the 2020 Program.
2019 Outline Agenda
| 7:30 - 9:30 | SDG Solutions Immersive Breakfast*
The SDG Solutions breakfast will be an opportunity for companies to showcase their upcoming technologies. This two-hour buffet style breakfast hosted by ICC and UNGC will allow companies to erect exhibits or tables dedicated to their latest innovations. It will be an invitation only event and an opportunity reserved for companies that have displayed true leadership in the SDG arena. |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Introduction Ms. Lise Kingo, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the UN Global Compact, and Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations will open this year's SDG Business Forum. H. E. Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations will deliver keynote remarks. |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | Sustainable Financing for 2030 Some of the world's largest corporations are increasingly vocal about the SDGs. What implications does this positioning have on corporate strategies and business models? What steps can companies take to tangibly integrate the SDGs into their financing, operational processes and internal decision-making? What incentives are needed for investors and companies to expand their investments in emerging and frontier markets? How can governments and investors support a shift towards SDG-aligned business models? Can MNCs help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to fund their plans for SDG adoption? |
| 11:15 – 12:00 | The Future of Business This panel will explore the changing landscape of business as it contends with global changes and the challenges associated with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As we approach the deadline for the 2030 Agenda, how are businesses incorporating the SDGs into their organizations? With rapidly occurring advances in technology, what kind of transformation of the workforce can we expect in the coming years, and what are the implications of this? How can ambitious climate action lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable world? |
| 12:00 – 12:45 | Scaling Ambition While the SDGs have provided a framework for governments to improve the livelihoods of their citizens, and the Global Compact has tracked business engagement with its ten principles, we must acknowledge that there is still so much work to be done. Business and Industry stakeholders must do their part to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This section will highlight those companies that have gone “above and beyond” the call of duty. Whether they have eliminated modern slavery in their supply chains, invested in the adoption of sustainable technologies, or promoted gender equality in the workplace, the speakers during this panel will be leaders in their field who are working to go the extra mile. |
| 12:45 - 13:00 | Closing Remarks John W. H. Denton, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce and Paul Polman, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the UN Global Compact will deliver closing remarks. |
2019 Featured Speakers
![]() |
Mr. Liu Zhenmin Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations |
![]() |
Mr. John W.H. Denton AO Secretary-General, International Chamber of Commerce |
||
![]() |
Ms. Lise Kingo Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, UN Global Compact |
![]() |
H.E. Ms. Amina J. Mohammed Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations |
||
![]() |
H.E. Mr. Hubert Minnis Prime Minister of the Bahamas |
![]() |
Sir Suma Chakrabarti President, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development |
||
![]() |
Ms. Madelyn Antoncic Chief Executive Officer, SASB Foundation |
![]() |
Mr. Francesco Starace Chief Executive Officer, Enel |
||
![]() |
Ms. Farzana Chowdhury Chief Executive Officer, Green Delta Insurance |
![]() |
Ms. Claudia Azevedo Chief Executive Officer, Sonae |
||
![]() |
Mr. Emmanuel Faber Chief Executive Officer, Danone |
![]() |
Ms. Gamze Cizreli Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Big Chefs Café and Brasserie |
||
![]() |
Ms. Flora Mutahi Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Melvin Marsh |
![]() |
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Solih President of the Maldives |
||
![]() |
Mr. Kent Walker Chief Legal Officer, Google |
![]() |
Mr. Cyrill Gutsch Founder, Parley for the Oceans |
||
![]() |
Ms. Pamela Molina Chief Executive Officer, Agrolibano |
![]() |
Ms. Rose Stuckey Kirk Chief Social Responsibility Officer, Verizon Communications |
Highlights from Business Forum
For more information about the 2019 SDG Business Forum, please contact us using the form below.
SDG Business Forum│23 September 2020
United Nations Headquarters - New York, NY 10017
#HLPF #SDGBIZ #SDGs @SDGBizforum
United Nations Headquarters - New York, NY 10017
#HLPF #SDGBIZ #SDGs @SDGBizforum
































